Kergious Crites

Kergious Crites, 88, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Feb. 3, 1926, in Cape Girardeau, son of Marion F. and Ella Seabaugh Crites. He and Mary Frances Marlin were married Jan. 25, 1943, in Cape Girardeau.

Kergious was a veteran of World War II. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on May 11, 1944, and honorably discharged Jan. 12, 1946. While in the service, Kergious attained the rank of staff sergeant and was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star and a Purple Heart.

He was a control technician with AmerenUE many years. He and his wife also owned the Country Spanish Shop in Jackson more than 30 years, closing it in 2002. Kergious enjoyed collecting antique Victrolas and has more than 100 in his collection.

Loving survivors include his wife of 71 years, Mary; a son, Kergious "Rick" (Juan) Crites of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Frances (Robert) Schlimme of St. Louis; four grandchildren, Gregory Schlimme of San Diego, Robert (Susan) Schlimme of Cummings, Ga., Luke and Abby Crites of Cape Girardeau; two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Blake Schlimme; and a sister, Iola (Melvin) Amelunke of Whitewater.

He was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.